The Health Protection Service, Public Health Agency, (PHA), has been working closely with colleagues in England, Scotland and Wales to monitor the situation in relation to the volcanic ash plume and issue health advice.There is no change to current health protection advice following latest information provided by the Met Office about the plume of volcanic ash. The ash continues to mix in different layers of the atmosphere with small amounts reaching ground level.

The 6th Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action Zone (NNHAZ) conference took place at Loughguile Millennium Centre on Friday 26 March 2010. The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Making a Difference: Tackling Health Inequalities in a Community Setting’. The conference highlighted and showcased a broad range of work being taken forward by the 14 NNHAZ neighbourhoods to tackle health inequalities and improve the health and well being of their local residents.

‘Healthy Steps for Life’ is a three-year programme developed by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) to promote healthy lifestyles in early years (0-5 years). Part of this programme is to support breastfeeding in local communities through the establishment of a new breastfeeding peer support service. ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ is offering you the chance to join a new team of community-based volunteers who will provide support and advice to breastfeeding mothers in the Armagh, Dungannon, South Tyrone, Newry and Mourne, South Down and South Armagh areas.

Children from the Firs Playgroup in Armagh have benefitted from funding received from the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SHIP). Funded by the Public Health Agency, the SHIPs small grant programme awarded the Playgroup funding to erect a Polytunnel. This will provide the children with a great learning opportunity giving them the chance to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs while providing them with the chance to understand nature and foster a love for the environment at an early age.

A series of free ‘Electric Blanket Testing’ roadshows are being heldacross the Southern area. Electric blankets cause over 800 fires in the UK each year, with nearly 20 deaths and 200 injuries. Most of the casualties are people aged over 60 years. The next roadshow in your area will take place on: Tuesday, 26th January 2010inMourneview Community Centre, Lurgan The aim of the roadshows is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by faulty and misused electric blankets.

The Public Health Agency is encouraging smokers to use the free smoking cessation services this New Year to kick their habit for good. Many people see the New Year as an opportunity to change something about their lives that they are not happy with and a chance to make a fresh start, often this is something relating to improving their health.

The first annual Regional Symposium on Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI), led by the Public Health Agency, takes place at 9.00am on Thursday 4 March 2010 at Greenmount College, Antrim. The Symposium will feature contributions from experts in the field of HCAI from England, Scotland and Ireland. Each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust will share best practice and discuss learning arising from work undertaken to date. The Patient Client Council will provide a perspective on patient experiences and expectations.